Thigpen sounds off on firing of college coach

Posted by Mike Florio on December 17, 2011, 11:51 PM EST

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Quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who has fallen largely out of sight at the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick in Buffalo, has achieved much given that he played college football at Coastal Carolina. Now, Thigpen is threatening to sever ties with the school in the wake of its termination of head coach David Bennett.

“I am writing to express my sincere disappointment and utter disgust in the dismissal of Head Football Coach David Bennett and request his immediate reinstatement as Head Football Coach,” Thigpen said in a 6,000-plus-word letter submitted to the Coastal Carolina president David DeCenzo and the school’s Board of Trustees, via WMBF-TV. Thigpen accuses the administration of a “hidden agenda,” and he threatens to sever all ties with the school — including having his college affiliation removed from all team and league P.R. materials.

“I vow that I will not donate a single penny to this institution again nor take part in any University function which may assist the school in raising any money until something is done about this,” Thigpen said.

The school claims that attendance has dropped sharply in recent years. Coastal Carolina launched its football program in 2005, and Bennett is the only coach the university has had.

The decision to fire Bennett has sparked significant controversy, with Thigpen not the only one speaking out. Whether the powers-that-be will be swayed by the effort is unknown, but unlikely.

“I am writing to express my sincere disappointment and utter disgust in the dismissal of Head Football Coach David Bennett and request his immediate reinstatement as Head Football Coach,” Thigpen said in a 6,000-plus-word letter submitted to the Coastal Carolina president David DeCenzo and the school’s Board of Trustees”
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To which DeCenzo replied: “Tyler WHO??”

Wow I just read that letter. Say what you want but Thigpen makes a heck of a case against the athletic department and the University administration. Lots of intricate details…quite frankly I think Mr. Thigpen has a future as a lawyer.

Basically he’s saying the coach puts his heart and soul into that program and they have been successful year after year despite a lack of support for the man. Anyone who’s ever played football in their life can appreciate a lot of what is written in Thigpen’s letter.

Too many dogs this time, bit enough cats.
YouTube this coach if you don’t know what I’m talking about

waynefontes says:Dec 18, 2011 5:59 AM

If only this was Jerome Simpson threatening to sever ties instead of Tyler Thigpen.

pghguyy says:Dec 18, 2011 7:05 AM

Way to take a stand tyler. Seems you really have your coaches back. The bills are lucky to have u as a teamate.

vols84 says:Dec 18, 2011 7:12 AM

Thing pen has a lot of clout as a star QB in the NFL so I am sure Coastal Carolina is going to reverse this decision. Is this the same coach who had that great sound bite during a post game presser about wanting his team to play like “dawgs” and not a stray cat? If so, hate to see him go. Maybe Thigpen can call the governor and pull some strings.

Nothin like a bunch of haters voicing their opinion here…as a coastal grad and friend of Thig I love this letter. The firing of Coach Bennett was complete bull$hit and what Tyler is doing here is very noble. I’ll always have love for my chants though!!

And to think Miami got rid of him, I wonder what he would say about Coach Tony firing at the Dolphins. Can anyone guess how many long field goals they will pass on for a try at a first down or a touchdown try. I say 3. Bill